About College Scholars Program

The College Scholars Program is an interdisciplinary honors program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Our program exists solely for highly motivated and academically talented students who have clear goals for their undergraduate education, and who cannot attain those goals within the traditional requirements structure of the College.

Once admitted to the program, a Scholar is exempt from all the course distribution requirements for undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences. Instead, each Scholar works with a faculty member who serves as a Mentor, with the Director of College Scholars, and with others to design a unique curriculum to meet the Scholar's individual educational goals. Scholars are required to complete the university's general education requirements and to attend a one-hour seminar each week. Also, as the culmination of the individual program, each scholar is required to complete a substantial project involving research, scholarship, or creative imagination. Graduates of the College Scholars Program are especially effective in gaining admission to the best graduate and professional schools, while some start careers directly upon graduation. Admission is based on previous academic accomplishments, test scores, references, a written application and an interview. Students can apply after one semester at UT, Knoxville, or as late as the middle of their fourth semester in residence.

If your educational goals will allow you to complete all Arts & Sciences distribution requirements but require you to design an individualized major, and if you do not seek to work with a faculty Mentor, you may be better served by the individualized program.

Please note that College Scholars is different from the campus-wide Chancellor's Honors Program. While many of the current Scholars are also in that program, participation in University Honors is not a requirement for College Scholars.